Sustainability
AIA’s Framework for Design Excellence promotes better outcomes through good design:
According to the latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, the time for climate action is now. Architects play a crucial role in mitigating and adapting to climate change through sustainable and resilient design. Energy efficiency and renewable energy, materials transparency, the protection of water resources, and other sustainability strategies support mitigation by conserving resources and reducing carbon emissions.
Resilient design helps communities adapt to evolving conditions, reduce harm and property damage, and more readily, effectively, and efficiently recover from adverse events. Architects can draw upon both sustainability and resilience to become a force of valuable change by transforming the day-to-day practice of architecture to achieve a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment.
Design a better world
As designers, it is critical that we design, construct, and evaluate projects holistically to achieve a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment. Explore the Framework for Design Excellence and other foundational programs and resources that can help you create better outcomes for clients, occupants, and communities.
Energy
The AIA 2030 Commitment
The AIA 2030 Commitment is an actionable climate strategy that gives us a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment. Learn more about it and how to get involved!
Materials
Materials Pledge
This pledge has been developed with a vision of a holistic approach to the way architects and designers evaluate the products and finishes that we specify. The Architecture & Design Materials Pledge was developed to inspire a shift in how we evaluate the products and finishes that we specify on a daily basis. Participants commit to five overarching statements that will lead to more intentional product specification across their portfolios over time.
How To
AIA Resilience and Adaptation Certificate Series
Do you want to integrate resilience into the design services your firm offers? The Resilience and Adaptation series is your answer. This exclusive multi-course series covers hazard mitigation, community resilience, and adaptation. Take all courses to learn best practices for mitigating risk for hazards, shocks, and stresses and adapting to changing conditions. Perfect for mid-career professionals.
Framework for Design Excellence
Redefining principles of good design in the 21st century.
Learn from high-performance design
High-performance buildings provide positive environmental and health outcomes, but growing evidence demonstrates that they provide economic benefits as well. As awareness of the benefits of high-performance design grows, demand has also grown in this sector. Explore these resources to make sure your firm is reaping the benefits of high-performance design.
2023 COTE® Top Ten Awards
The 2023 COTE® Top Ten program highlights projects that meet the AIA Committee on the Environment's rigorous criteria for social, economic, and ecologic value.
ROI of High-Performance Design
Buildings designed with high-performance elements reduce negative impacts to the environment and improve the health and well-being of occupants. As awareness of the benefits of high-performance design grows, demand has also grown in this sector.
Handbook
Architect’s Guide to Building Performance
The best way to improve performance and know how your building will perform is through energy modeling early and often. The new Architect’s Guide to Building Performance helps architects better integrate building performance simulation into their design process.
Report
The Habits of High-Performance Firms
For over 20 years the AIA COTE Top Ten Awards have recognized architecture firms who have completed projects that employ the latest innovations in sustainable design to create the highest performance buildings. This report analyzes projects that've won a COTE Top Ten Award and determines what traits their designing firms share and how to integrate them into your own projects.
Take climate action
For people and the planet to prosper, we have to work together! Join one of our networks or an upcoming event to learn from your peers and share your best practices.
Handbook
Climate Action Business Playbook
This Climate Action Business Playbook offers a set of accessible recommendations and best practices for anyone wanting to meaningfully integrate climate action into their practice.
Resilience
Key regional climate issues: A Guide for architects to drive change
On every project, architects plan for future conditions, including additional capacity, new technologies, deconstruction, and our changing climate. This resource leverages the Fourth National Climate Assessment (NCA4) to identify key climate resources and issues for 10 regions using two scenarios: the highest emissions scenario available and a midrange scenario consistent with other global resources.